Mayor Adrian Fenty’s 2011 budget calls for the District’s hazardous materials unit to merge with an existing fire engine company, under a structure that would force the company to shut down during hazmat calls.

Sixteen firefighters, four sergeants, three lieutenants and one captain staff the existing Fire and Emergency Medical Services hazardous materials unit 24 hours a day. Housed in Engine Company 12 at 2225 Fifth St. NE, the unit responded to 895 calls in 2009.